Hosackia crassifolia var. otayensis
Otay mountain hosackia, Otay Mountain Hosackia
Photo: parent species Hosackia crassifolia · (c) Don Loarie, some rights reserved (CC BY) · licence
Family: Fabaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 1B.1
Hosackia crassifolia var. otayensis (Otay mountain hosackia) is a native California herb in the Fabaceae family, recognized by distinctive hairy covering and restricted range.
Otay mountain hosackia is a rare (CNPS 1B.1) California native perennial found in southern Peninsular Ranges on Otay Mountain in San Diego County in disturbed areas at elevations of 900 to 1,000 meters. Flowering from May to August, this plant produces yellow flowers with distinctive long, soft, and wavy hairs. Growing with delicate stems up to 30 to 50 centimeters tall, it forms compact clumps in exposed landscapes. Its leaves are compound with small leaflets that create a soft, textured appearance. The plant develops 14 to 20 ovules in each flower cluster, contributing to its reproductive strategy.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 2 sympatric species; distinctive hairy covering and restricted range
Habitat and range
Habitat: Disturbed areas
Elevation: 900-1000 m
Outside California: Baja California
Bloom period
Hosackia crassifolia var. otayensis blooms May-Aug.
Conservation status
CNPS 1B.1
How to tell it apart
vs Acmispon: Hosackia has conspicuous papery or leafy stipules; Acmispon stipules tiny or absent.; vs Lathyrus: Hosackia has umbrella clusters; Lathyrus flowers on stalks with leaves having tendrils.; vs Lotus: Hosackia is native perennial in natural habitats; Lotus is introduced in disturbed sites.; vs Vicia: Hosackia flowers in umbels; Vicia flowers in rows with leaves ending in tendrils.; vs Securigera: Hosackia pods split open straight; Securigera pods break into curved segments.
Frequently asked questions
Is Hosackia crassifolia var. otayensis native to California?
Yes. Hosackia crassifolia var. otayensis is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Hosackia crassifolia var. otayensis bloom?
Hosackia crassifolia var. otayensis blooms May-Aug.
What plant family does Hosackia crassifolia var. otayensis belong to?
Hosackia crassifolia var. otayensis is in the Fabaceae family, genus Hosackia.
Is Hosackia crassifolia var. otayensis rare or endangered?
Hosackia crassifolia var. otayensis carries California Rare Plant Rank 1B.1, state rank S1.
What habitat does Hosackia crassifolia var. otayensis grow in?
Hosackia crassifolia var. otayensis grows in Disturbed areas.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CNPS Rare Plant Inventory · Index of California Plant Names · CalPhotos · CDFW CNDDB
Last updated 2026-10-07
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.